Arc heater with integral fluid and electrical ducting and quick disconnect facility

ABSTRACT

An arc heater having simplified construction allowing the use of electrodes of varying length and field coils of varying number and employing a field coil cooling fluid manifold which is adapted to provide cooling fluid and electrical power to discrete field coil assemblies. The apparatus includes an internal process gas metering orifice between electrode assemblies to allow the flow of process gas from a downstream gas entry port to an upstream gas admission ring and thence to the arc chamber in addition to a central gas admission ring disposed longitudinally between electrodes. The upstream ducting channel for the previously described process gas system includes a metering valve therein for volume control. The arc heater apparatus also includes fluid tight sealing means in a unitary electrode cooling channel. This sealing means is disposed parallel to the gap between the separable electrodes of the arc heater apparatus. When the arc heater is in an operable disposition the sealing means utilize the cooling fluid pressure to enhance sealing. The sealing means also has a special insulating configuration to increase the electrical insulation between electrodes in the electrode cooling path of differing electrical potential.

United States Patent Wolf et al.

[451 Aug. 27, 1974 ARC HEATER WITH INTEGRAL FLUID [75] Inventors:Charles B. Wolf, Irwin; Maurice G.

Fey; Frederick A. Azinger, Jr., both of Pittsburgh, all of Pa.

[73] Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

[22] Filed: Aug. 11, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 279,895

[52] US. Cl. 219/121 P, 219/383, 313/231 [51] Int. Cl B23k 9/00 [58]Field of Search 219/121 P, 74, 75, 383;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,398,962 4/1946 Randrup85/32 W 2,405.251 8/1946 Glaze 85/32 W 2,430,677 11/1947 Hobart 85/32 W3,309,550 3/1967 Wolf et al.... 219/121 P X 3,316,444 4/1967 Mentz219/121 P X 3,360,682 12/1967 Moore 219/121 P X 3,705,975 12/1972 Wolfet al. 219/383 Primary Examiner--J. V. Truhe Assistant ExaminerG. R.Peterson Attorney, Agent, or FirmM. J. Moran ABSIRACT An arc heaterhaving simplified construction allowing the use of electrodes of varyinglength and field coils of varying number and employing a field coilcooling fluid manifold which is adapted to provide cooling fluid andelectrical power to discrete field coil assemblies. The apparatusincludes an internal process gas metering orifice between electrodeassemblies to allow the flow of process gas from a downstream gas entryport to an upstream gas admission ring and thence to the arc chamber inaddition to a central gas admission ring disposed longitudinally betweenelectrodes. The upstream ducting channel for the previously describedprocess gas system includes a metering valve therein for volume control.The arc heater apparatus also includes fluid tight sealing means in aunitary electrode cooling channel. This sealing means is disposedparallel to the gap between the separable electrodes of the arc heaterapparatus. When the arc heater is in an operable disposition the sealingmeans utilize the cooling fluid pressure to enhance sealing. The sealingmeans also has a special insulating configuration to increase theelectrical insulation between electrodes in the electrode cooling pathof differing electrical potential.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENIED AUG 2 7 i974 SNEET 305 6 mmm mmmPATENTEB M182 7 1974 I SNEEI 8 BF 6 ARC HEATER WITH INTEGRAL FLUID ANDELECTRICAL DUCTING AND QUICK DISCONNECT FACILITY CROSS REFERENCE TORELATED APPLICATIONS Certain inventions related to those disclosed inthe present application are disclosed and claimed in copendingapplication Ser. No. 279,894, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,151, filedconcurrently herewith and assigned to the same assignee as the assigneeof the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to arc heaters in general and in particular to are heaters whichmay be disassembled quickly and conveniently.

2. Description of the Prior Art Prior art are heater apparatus oftencomprise two generally cylindrically shaped, hollow, axially alignedelectrodes having a small annular gap therebetween. An electric arcenergized from a convenient external source of electrical power isstruck between the cylindrical electrodes in the gap. Because of theheat generated by the arc, cooling channels are often disposed againstthe outer perimeter of the cylindrical electrodes. In addition, in someprior art are heaters process material or gas is supplied through aconvenient ducting means to the annular gap to be introduced radiallyinto the arc chamber. Also, in some apparatus gas and other feedmaterial is provided to the arc chamber at a point upstream of theannular gap so that it may flow downstream past the annular gap internalto the electrode within the arc chamber. Also, in some prior art archeaters annular or cylindrical electromagnetic field coils are disposedadjacent to the outer surface of the cylindrical electrodes to provide amagnetic field which may be used to rotate the are around the annulargap. These field coils require a cooling system and electrical power. Inmost of the prior art are heaters the electrodes of the arc heater areseparable axially at the annular gap. This place is usually chosenbecause a voltage difference exists between the electrodes for strikingthe arc. In addition, should the gap need to be varied in size, spacersmay be provided in this region for that purpose. Also, as was mentionedpreviously the annular gap is the place where gas or fluid is quiteoften introduced into the arc heater for processing and other purposes.Consequently, a separate annular gas introducing ring is usuallyprovided in this region.

Certain problems, however, arise with the use of prior art arc heaterapparatus one of which is caused by the means for channeling coolingfluid and conducting electrical power through fluid channels andelectrical conductors, respectively, across the annular gap. The areheater apparatus should be easily disassembled or separated in theregion of the annular gap so that the two electrodes can be separatedfrom each other axially for cleaning inspection or replacement ofdefective parts without necessitating disassembly of relativelypermanent piping hardware and electrically connecting fixtures, but thisis not usually the case. In some instances attempts have been made toprovide for quick disconnect or quick disassembly of the arc heaterapparatus by providing separate piping and separate electrical systemsfor each of the electrodes. In other instances, convenience inseparating the electroces is sacrificed for a reduction in the number ofhardware fixtures required by providing external innerconnecting pipingchannels and electrically conducting paths between like parts of theseparable arc heater apparatus. Examples of arc heater apparatusemploying cooling systems, electrically conducting systems, and fluidadmission system of the type previously discussed may be found in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,400,070 issued to J. T. Naff Sept. 3, 1968 and 3,360,682issued to R. A. Moore Dec. 26, 1967. In addition, U.S. Pat. No.3,629,553 by Maurice G. Fey, Charles B. Wolf, Frederick A. Azinger, Jr.and George A. Kemeny issued Dec. 21, 1971, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,792by Maurice G. Fey issued May 16, 1972 which are assigned to the sameassignee as the assignee of the present invention are also examples ofprior art are heaters.

It would be convenient to have an arc heater apparatus which was quicklyseparable between electrodes at the annular gap in such a manner that aminimum number of disconnections of the external piping joints andelectrical conductors need be made. One convenient way to do this wouldbe to provide internal quick disconnect electrical conductors, fluid andgas piping connections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention an electricarc heater apparatus is disclosed which comprises a pair of cylndricalhollow electrodes separated axially by an annular gap having commonquickly disconnectable fluid cooling paths for the electrodes, wellinsulated and fluid tight electrically conducting paths for theelectrodes, magnetic field coils surrounding the electrodes withseparate electrically connecting paths and fluid cooling paths andprocess fluid admission ports spaced between the electrodes and at oneend of the upstream electrode. The upstream electrode is disposed uponwheels so that it may be moved away from the downstream electrode whendisconnected therefrom. The upstream or movable electrode has disposedtherein portions of the previously described cooling paths, gasadmission paths and electrically conducting paths which may be quicklydisconnected from and reconnected to complementary portions of coolingpaths, gas

admission paths and electrically conducting paths in the downstream orrelatively fixed electrode respectively. This is accomplished byproviding field coil cooling fluid and electrical power to input andexit ports on the downstream electrode assembly only and by alsoproviding a quick disconnect connector between the upstream anddownstream electrodes for the field coil manifold assembly, by alsoproviding a process gas admission input port at the downstream electrodeassembly only, and by providing a convenient internal electrode coolingchannel bridging path between the upstream electrode and the downstreamelectrode so that one source of cooling fluid may cool both electrodesserially rather than in parallel as with two separate sources ofelectrode cooling fluid. Process gas from the downstream electrodeentrance port is provided to the annular gap and, through a meteringport internal to the arc heater apparatus, to a valved channel in theupstream electrode for provision into the upstream end of the arcchamber either concurrently with or exclusive of the provision of gasinto the arc chamber through the admission ring in the annular gap. Theelectrode assembly is of a construction of the type which may be changedconveniently and easily for changing the size of either the upstream ordownstream electrode or both and for changing the number of field coilssurrounding either or both of these electrodes. To accomplish the latterpurpose a manifolding system for providing cooling fluid to the fieldcoils is provided to service the arc heater apparatus at both theupstream and downstream electrode assembly regions. This manifold systemis interconnected by quick disconnect fluid bridging means. In addition,the electrical power for the field coils may be provided serially or inparallel to the field coils by the use of various electricalinterlinking members between certain portions of the manifoldingapparatus, there also being present in the manifolding apparatus quickdisconnecting facilities near the gap for the electrical system.

. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of theinvention, reference may be had to the preferred embodiment exemplary ofthe invention shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an arc heater station in side elevation;

FIG. 2 shows an arc heater station in rear elevation;

FIG. 3 shows an arc heater section partially broken away;

FIG. 4 shows a view of the downstream field coil manifolding apparatusin side elevation partially broken away and partially sectioned;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a view of a section of upstream manifolding apparatus forarc heater field coils partially broken away and partially sectioned andin side elevation; and

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawingsand FIG. 1 in particular an arc heater station 10 is shown. Arc heaterstation 10 comprises an arc heater apparatus 12 having axially orlongitudinally separable main sections 14 and 16 which may be knownrespectively as the relatively stationary downstream electrode assembly14 and the relatively movable upstream electrode assembly 16. Movableupstream electrode assembly 16 is disposed upon wheels 18 which movealong track 20 of arc heater support assembly 22. The movable upstreamelectrode assembly 16 may be moved along the track 20 to the positionshown at 16A in FIG. 1. The are heater assembly 12 may be quicklydisconnected, that is, movable member 16 may be quickly disconnectedfrom and moved away from relatively stationary member 14.

A set of connecting rods 58 are provided which are attached at theupstream or right end thereof as viewed in FIG. 1 to a rocker arm 58Dwith a nut 58A threaded to the end of each rod 58. The left end 58B ofrods 58 extend through aligned axially oriented holes in flanges 70L and70R and in insulator-spacer 70M to protrude therethrough past thedownstream end of flange 80L. Transverse grooves are placed on the topand bottom of the end region 58B of rod 58. The legs of a C-or U- shapedmember or clamp 58C may then be transversely fit on the rod end 588 insuch a manner as to engage the top and bottom groove, previouslydescribed, to lock a clamp 58C to the rod in an axial direction.Consequently, axial motion of the rod toward the upstream end of the archeater 12 is restrained or prevented by the side portion of the clamp.As it is forced against the downstream end of flange L, the C-clamp 58Cmay be prevented from moving transverse to the rod outwardly byfastening the clamp 58C to the flange with a screw, bolt or similarfastening means. The rod 58 is constrained from moving axially in thedownstream direction by the nut 58A abutting against the upstream sideof rocker arm 58D through which it protrudes.

As can be seen by reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 two sets of nuts orfastening means 58A, rods 58 and clamps 58C (not shown) are provided oneon each side of the arc heater. As the nuts are tightened on the rods58, the upper electrode assembly is compressed against the insulator 70Mand downstream electrode assembly 14. The rocker arm 58D may move orpivot about member 60 in an upstream-downstream plane as if member 60were a fulcrum or pivot. And the nut 58A may be tightened in sequence toprovide an excellent seal of the electrodes assembled against insulator70M. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the arc heater may beloosened and the electrodes separated merely by lossening one of thenuts 58A, because the rocker arm 58D provides freedom of movement sothat the clamp 58C associated with the rod to which the other nut 58A isattached may fall loose. This allows for convenient cleaning of, testingof, repairing of, part exchanging in or otherwise performing certainfunctions on the internal portions of arc heater assembly 12. It will benoted that an electrical connector 24 is interposed between upstreammovable arc heater electrical assembly 16 and downstream arc heaterelectrode assembly 14. This provides electrical continuity between thearc heater field coil electrical power terminals which will beidentified and described later. The relatively stable or unmovable archeater electrode assembly 14 is fixed to track section 20 by adjustablesupport members 28 and 30 at the downstream end and upstream endrespectively of the downstream electrode assembly 14. Adjacent thedownstream end of the downstream electrode assembly 14 is an electricalfield coil connector or bus bar 32. Adjacent a portion of the upstreamelectrode assembly 16 is a similar electrical field coil bus bar orconnector 34. During operation of the arc heater assembly electricalpower may flow between terminals 32 and 34 and through the electricalinterlock connection 24 to thereby energize the field coils. Adjacentthe upstream end of downstream electrode assembly 14 is a main powerconnector 36. A similar connector or bus bar 38 may be found on theupstream electrode assembly 16. Cooling fluid for the electrode orelectrodes in arc heater assembly 12 is provided through ports 40 and 42to ducts adjacent the electrodes within the arc heater assembly 12. Asuitable internal interconnecting means between complementary ductmembers (not shown) is provided between the upstream and downstreamelectrode assemblies 16 and 14 respectively. In one embodiment of theinvention, cooling fluid may flow into pipe 40 and out of pipe 42 butthat is not necessarily the case in all embodiments. In anotherembodiment cooling fluid may flow into pipe 42 and out of pipe 40. Thecooling fluid may be treated water or some similar cooling substance andmay be at a relatively high temperature and may be pressurized superheated water; In some instances it may be a gas such assulfurhexafluoride. A gas or fluid port piping system 44 is provided tothe upstream end of the downstream electrode assembly 14, process gas orfluid may be provided to a gas admission ring in the gap betweenelectrode assemblies 14 and 16 for introduction into the arc chamber andin one embodiment of the invention to the upstream end of upstreamelectrode 16 for auxiliary processing purposes.

Adjacent the output or exhaust port of downstream electrode assembly 14may be a quench tube and materials admission assembly 46 such as thetype described in copending application Ser. No. 279,894 now US. Pat.No. 3,760,151. This includes a readout and control means 48 connectedelectrically by way of lines 49 and 50 to the materials admission andquench means tube 51. Electrical lines or leads 49 and 50 mayinterconnect with a stray arc detector means within the materialsadmission means 46. Flowing fluid for materials admission and quenchmeans 46 may be provided through pipes or fluid conducting paths 52 and54, respectively. The fluid may come from a reservoir 56. A materialsadmission input duct for supplying quench or other material into thequenching chamber 51 may be present but is not shown for convenience ofillustration.

Adjacent the upstream or rear portion of upstream electrode assembly 16is a plug assembly-pivot means 60 which may be removed for cleaningcertain upstream portions of the upstream electrode assembly 16 or forproviding an alternative path for the introduction of process fluid intothe arc chamber of the arc heater apparatus or for providing an openinginto which an electrode may be disposed within the arc heater assembly12. The field coil electrical and fluid cooling manifolding system 62Amay have two component parts designated 62L and 62R for the left ordownstream manifold portion and right or upstream manifold portionrespectively. Manifolds 62L and 62R may be separated electrically at theconnector 24 and the internal fluid ducting paths therein may be alsoseparated or disconnected in this region. The integral members ofdownstream manifolding system 62L may be joined by electricallyconducting links 64 which are arranged to conduct electrical power forempowering field coil electromagnets within the arc heater apparatus 12.The downstream end of manifolding system 62L is supported on downstreamflange 68 of downstream electrode assembly 14. A suitable support member14X is provided for this purpose. The upstream end of manifolding system62L is supported on a flange portion 70L by way of a manifold supportmember l4Y. An intermediate electrically insulating member 70M isdisposed between downstream flange or support member 70L and aheretofore unmentioned upstream flange or support member 70R. Theupstream manifolding system 62R is supported upon flange member 70R by asupport member 16X. The other end of manifolding system 62 is supportedon flange member 88 by a suitable manifold support member 16Y. Manifoldsystem 62L may comprise discrete manifolding sections, such as shown at14AL and I4BL through 14NL. The upstream field coil manifolding system62R may comprise discrete manifolding sections l6AR through 16NR.

Referring once again only to FIG. 2 a rear or upstream end view of thearc heater station 10 is shown. Arc assembly 12 is shown disposed upon asupport structure or frame 22. The wheels 18 of the upstream or movableelectrode assembly 16 are shown disposed upon rails 20 on the frame 22.Supporting or aligning rods 58 for the upstream electrode 16, which rodsare also shown in FIG. 1, are shown on either side of the upstreamelectrode end plug 60. The upstream or rear or right field coilmanifolding system 62R for upstream field coils is shown disposed onupstream electrode ap paratus 16, and a bus bar or electricallyconducting terminal 34 is shown coconnected to a portion thereof. Aportion of the downstream quench tube and materials admission assemblywith integral arc detector means 46 is shown in rectangular outline inFIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a view of the internal portion of an arc heaterassembly 12 is shown. Downstream electrode assembly 14 is shown on theleft and upstream electrode assembly 16 is shown on the right. It willbe noted that a portion of the annular gap 71 is shown disposed betweendownstream electode 64 and upstream electrode 69. Downstream electrode64 may comprise a generally cylindrical hollow tubular electricallyconducting shell comprised of electrically conducting materials, such ashard drawn copper or alloys of copper or similar materials. A downstreamsupport flange member 68 is provided at the downstream end of downstreamelectrode assembly 14 and an upstream support flange 70L is provided atthe upstream end of downstream electrode assembly 14. Electrode 64 abutsor touches the downstream flange 68 at joint 65 and electrode 64 abutsor touches upstream flange member 70L at joint 72. A cooling water ductflange member 74 which may also be cylindrical in shape is disposedaround or at least partially encloses but does not necessarily touch theouter periphery of the electrode 64. Flange member 74 abuts downstreamflange 68 at joint 76 and it abuts upstream flange 70L at joint 78. Aspacer, shoulder or abutting portion 80 is shown separating upstreamflange member 70L from a field coil assembly. A similar shoulder existson flange member 70R. An outer shell or protective shell 82 fordownstream electrode 64 is disposed longitudinally between flange 68 andflange 70L. A long bolt 84 having its threaded end protruding into acorresponding tapped and threaded hole in flange member 70L abutsagainst a lip or ridge in flange member 68 and extends to secure thepreviously described members into a unitary downstream electrodeassembly 14. As can be seen, the lengths of members 74, 64, 82 and thelength of bolt 84 may be changed to accommodate more or less field coilsand/or to provide longer or shorter electrodes if that is desired.Upstream electrode 69 abuts the flange assembly 70R at joint 86. Anupstream electrode flange assembly 88 is provided at the right end ofelectrode assembly 16. Flange assembly 88 aubts electrode 69 at joint90. A cylindrical tubular member 92 which is similar to member 74 maysimilarly surround or enclose electrode member 69. Member 92 abutsupstream flange assembly 70R at joint 94 and upstream flange assembly 88at joint 96. A shielding or protective covering 98 similar to protectivecovering 82 is interposed and supported between upstream flange member88 and downstream flange member 70R. A bolt 100 similar to bolt 84 isdisposed between upstream flange member 88 and downstream of flangemember 70R for securing purposes. As with downstream electrode as sembly14, upstream electrode assembly 16 may have the size of its variouscomponents varied to a predetermined length. A second upstream flangeassembly 102 is secured to the flange assembly 88 for purposes whichwill become apparent. Previously described fluid cooling input system orpipe 40 is connected to a passageway such as duct, channel, or opening104 in downstream flange assembly 68. Duct 104 communicates with amanifold or fluid passageway 106 which in turn communicates with theopening or cooling passage 108 between the outer surface of electrode 64and the inner surface of the cylindrical member 74. Duct or channel 108communicates with an upstream electrode cooling manifold or passageway110 in flange member 70L. Manifold 110 then communicates with ductmembers 112 in flange assembly 70L and with a similar duct portion andsealing means 114 which is also in flange member 70L. An interposedelectrically insulating member 70M has a communicating opening 115therein between sealing member 114 and sealing means or member 116 inflange member 70R. The duct provided by the inner portion of seal 116communicates with a duct portion 118 also in flange member 70R. Duct 118communicates with manifold 120 which in turn communicate with a fluidcooling path 122 between upstream electrode 68 and upstream cylindricalmember 92. Path 122 then communicates with manifold member 124 in flangeassembly 88. A ducting channel 128 also in flange assembly 88,communicates through sealing fluid bridging means 129A in flangeassembly 102 with a duct or channel 130 in flange assembly 102. Duct 120communicates with a manifold assembly passageway 132 which in turncommunicates with a duct 134 in flange assembly 102 which communicateswith output fluid or gas port pipe 42. Consequently, electrode coolingfluid is conducted through duct 104 to manifold 106 from where it isconducted along the outer surface of electrode 64 through coolingchannel 108 for the purpose of removing heat from the electrode. Andfrom there it is provided to manifold assembly 110 where it traverses orflows through ducting members 112, 114, 115, 116 and 118 between thelower or downstream electrode assembly 14 and the upper or upstreamelectrode assembly 16. From there the fluid will travel through manifold120 to cooling channel 122 to cool electrode 69 in the upstreamelectrode assembly 16 and from there the cooling fluid will then flowthrough manifold 124, through the ducts 128, 129A, and 130 to themanifold assembly duct 132 where it cools the internal surface of theend plug assembly 60, and from there to duct 134 and to the outputpiping assembly 42. Output piping assemblies 42a and 42 contain sealinginsulators 40A and 42A for providing electrical isolation between theelectrodes and the piping system which may be grounded electrically. Itwill be noted that a single unitary cooling path exists among bothelectrodes 64 and 69 and that the sealing means or bushing 114 and 116provide compressive sealing pressure against insulating member 70Mbecause the force on the larger rings 114a or 1160 is proportional tothe area of the fluid flow path they enclose and is larger than theforce on the smaller 0 rings 114b or 1160 causing a net force towardinsulating member 70M from both sides while concurrently sealing allsides of sealing means 114 and 116 respectively. Sealing means are alsoprovided between flanges 88 and 102 by way of seals 129A. These bushingsalso provide a larger region of electrical insulation between theseparate duct members 70R and 70L. Consequently, the upstream electrodeassembly 16 can be quickly disconnected from the downstream electrodeassembly 14 without the necessity of disconnecting any external hoses orexternal piping connector assemblies for electrode cooling channels orducts. It should be noted that plug assembly 60 communicates with arechamber 135 by way of opening 136 in flange 102 so that process materialmay be introduced into arc chamber 135 through plug member 60 ifdesirable. Downstream electrode assembly 14 has, near the gap portion 71a process fluid port 44 which is suitable for supplying process gas orfluid into the arc chamber region 135. Piping system 44 communicateswith a duct 138 in flange assembly. 70L which in turn communicates witha duct 140 which leads to a gas or fluid admission chamber 141 behind anannular gas admission ring 142L so that the gas fluid may flow into arcchamber 135 through openings or slots in the gas admission ring 142L. Inaddition, spacer or electrically insulating member M has therein anorifice or a metering opening 144 so that gas or fluid from header orduct 141 may communicate with a duet 143 in the upstream electrodeassembly flange 70R. Heater member 143 communicates with an upstreammaterials admission ring 142R and with an upstream duct 146. Gas fromopening 144 may then flow through slotted openings or orifices inupstream material admission rings 142R into the arc chamber or may flowthrough duct 146 to a valve 148 in upstream electrode. Valve member 148communicates with another duct member 150 which communicates with a ductmember 152 in upper electrode manifold or pressure header 154. Amaterial admission ring 156 is provided near manifold 154 so that gas orsimilar fluid material may flow through slots or openings in it into anarrow gap 160 and thence into the cylindrical arc chamber 135. Thisflow takes place from th upstream end of the upstream electrode assembly16 toward the downstream exhaust port. Consequently, it can be seen thatgas or a similar fluid for processing purposes need be provided to thearc heater apparatus 112 at a single entry port 44 in the lower ordownstream electrode assembly 14 but which nevertheless may be channeledor conducted to the upstream end of the upstream electrode assembly 16for the purpose of being provided to the upstream end of the arc chamber135. This, of course, may be concurrent with, additional to or exclusivefrom the provision or forcing of gas through material admission rings1421.. and 142R into the annular gap 71 near the center of the arcchamber 135. The valve portion 148 provides a convenient means forcontrolling the amount of fluid or process gas flowing to the upstreammaterials admission gap 160. In some instances the valve 148 may beadjusted to allow no gas to flow into this region. Also providedadjacent the outer portion of flange members 74 and 92 in the downstreamelectrode assembly 14 and upstream electrode assembly 16 respectivelyare annular electromagnetic field coil assemblies 162 which may bestacked longitudinally or axially in any predetermined or convenientdisposition. As can be seen, discrete field coil assemblies 162 areelectrically insulated from each other but nevertheless may beinterconnected electrically, externally, through the manifolding meanswhich will be described henceforth in more detail. It can be seen thateach discrete field coil assembly 162 has includes therein insulatedelectrical windings or conductors 170 and cooling tubes or duct 172 bothof which communicate with a combination electrical lead and fluid duct164 or 168. One of these ducts is available for providing cooling fluidto the assembly 162 and the other is available to conduct cooling fluidaway from it. The cooling fluid flows through hollow openings in thetubular electrical conductors 164 and 168 and the electrical current forenergizing the field coil windings 162 flows through the outer or solidelectrically conducting portions of the tubular conductors 164 and 168.Assembly 162 is insulated with thermal insulating material 162A.

It will be noted that metering orifice 144 provides a convenient way forproviding gas between the downstream and upstream electrode assemblieswithout ne cessitating external coupling of gas piping means. Theinternal coupling of the gas supply means provides another method forquick disconnect of the upstream electrode assembly 16 from thedownstream electrode assembly 14 without necessitating excessivemechanical adjustment or operation.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an enlarged view of the previously describedmanifold assembly 62L for the downstream electrode assembly 14 is shown.Manifold assembly 62L comprises a plurality of disrete unitarymanifolding blocks 200, one for each field coil, aligned axially alongthe length of the electrode assembly. At the left most end of themanifold assembly 62L is a support member 14X which is shown disposedupon flange assembly 68. Support assembly 14X has an input pipingassembly 204 disposed adjacent to it and communicating therewith andattached thereto with securing means or screws 206. Pipe assembly 204includes a piping member 208 which extends horizontally outwardly fromt3e manifold assembly 62L to be connected to a suitable source ofcooling fluid for the field coils. Support assembly 14X is fastened orsecured to flange assembly 68 by way of securing means or screws 212.Communicating with pipe 208 and internal to support member 14X is a ductmember 216 which communicates with similar duct members in the discretemanifold sections 200 as will be described later. Electrical field bus32 is secured adjacent to the top portion of support member 14X and issecured thereto through suitable screws or fastening means 217.Combination electrical conductors and fluid passage means 218 for thefield coils are shown in the discrete manifolding blocks 200. The bottomportion of a combination conductor and fluid providing means 218communicates with the previously described electrically conducting fluidducting member 164 or 168. Adjacent the right portion of downstreammanifold assembly 62L is a manifold support assembly 14Y comprising aprimarily horizontal portion 222 and a primarily vertical portion 224,where vertical section 224 communicates with a fastening base 226through a thermal insulating layer 228, Vertical members 224 and 226 aresecured together through suitable securing means such as screws or bolts130. Member 14Y rests upon and is secured to flange assembly 70L.Support assembly 14Y has a duct portion 232 of smaller diameter than asimilar coaxially aligned adjacent duct portion 234 both of which areuseful for communicating with a fluid passage duct and bridging means ina complementary manifolding assembly 62R not shown. Disposed betweeneach discrete electrically insulating primarily plastic manifold sectionor block 200 is an electrically insulating primarily plastic fluidconducting bridging or joint member 240 which may be cylindrical andhollow and which may snugly fit in a complementary cylindrical openingor groove 238 in the left portion of one discrete section 200 and groove244 in the right portion of the next adjacent discrete manifold assemblyblock 200. This forms a fluid conducting bridge between blocks 200. Thefluid conducting bridge 240 is made fluid leak proof by providingprimarily resilient 0 rings 242 and 248 between member 240 and surfaces238 and 244 respectively. Discrete manifold section 200 comprises a pairof upper openings 250 and lower openings 252, one of each of which canbe seen in end block 14Y. (similar to those existing in manifold block200). A combination electrically conducting and fluid providing tube 218is disposed vertically in each of these holes from the upper portion ofa block 200 or support 14Y to the lower portion of block 200 or support14Y. The upper portion of assembly 218 comprises a threaded stud 254which in one case feeds through an opening or hole 256 in anelectrically conducting left jaw assembly 24L. Stud member 218 comprisesa portion 262 residing in a hole 250. A circular annular opening 264 isprovided in portion 262 where a resilient O ring 266 resides which sealsopening 250. In a similar manner stud portion 218 is widened to form aportion 268 in the vicinity of hole or opening 252. Portion 268 hastherein an annular ridge or opening 272 in which a relatively resilientsealing O ring 274 is provided to seal hole 252. Consequently, the upperand lower portions of block 200 are rendered fluid tight so that fluidor water flowing in block 200 may not escape therethrough. An enlargedmember 275 is provided on the bottom of stud member 218. Stud member 218is brazed to the tubes 164 and 168 (not shown). Disposed between therelatively wide sealing members 262 and 268 is a central portion 276,having a horizontal opening therethrough 278 communicating with avertical opening 280 therein which extends downwardly into a similaropening 282 in th previously described duct 164 so that fluid or watercontained in a central horizontal duct 284 in discrete manifold section200 may flow through conduits 280 and 282 to or from the internalportion of the electric field coil as previously described. At the sametime electrical power or energy provided at the top portion of stud 218may flow into the windings of a field coil. The opening 284 or channel284 in manifold assembly 200 communicates with the hollow cylindricalbridging member 240 and with central openings or orifices 232 and 234 toform a unitary fluid conducting path 286 which extends from the farright portion of support assembly 14Y to an end portion not shown insupport assembly 14X. Fluid duct 286 communicates with the horizontaland vertical openings 280 and 282 respectively of the stud means 218.There may be two stud means per block of plastic electrically insulatingmaterial 200. Stud member 218 is equipped with a fastening nut orsimilar fastening means 289 where required. Disposed adjacent studmembers 218 and adjacent discrete manifold blocks 200 are electricallyconnecting,

links 290 each having holes 291 at either end thereof through whichportions of the stud members 218 may pass and upon which the nut 289 ofstud member 218 may be tightented. The stud members 218 may be linkedelectrically on the bias such as shown in FIG. 1

to form electrical series Connections among all the field coils in themanifold means 62L or may be interconnected axially by relativelyshorter electrically conducting linking members 292 such as shown in theleft portion of FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5. Should the shorter portions 292 beused in conjunction with the input electrical bus 32, the linking member292 would be raised above the upper surface of block 200 and anelectrically conducting spacer portion or member 260 is provided tosupport it. The field coil means may be linked on a left right bias or aright left bias or vertical or in any combination thereof to provide theenergy requirements for the field coils.

Referring now to FIG. 5 the top view of manifold section 62L is shown.Left supporting portion 14X is shown having an internal duct 216 whichbends at a right angle therein to provide fluid to the axially alignedmembers 200. Pipe member 208 is shown on the left secured by securing orfastening members 206 to a flange member 204 which in turn communicateswith seal means 300. Seal means 300 has a central opening therein whichcommunicates with duct 216. Seal member 300 has disposed or cut thereina groove 302 in which a relatively resilient seal or O ring 304 isdisposed for providing a fluid type seal between duct 216 and the outerportion of assembly 62L. The bolts 214 are shown for securing busconductor 32 to a portion of support member 14X. In addition studsupport bolt 254 is shown supporting a longitudinally aligned linkingsection 292 on the upper portion of assembly 62L and a similar linkingportion 292 is shown disposed horizontally on the lower portion thereof.In other circumstances an electrically conducting primarily copperlinking member 290 shown in phantom lines may be interconnected betweencorresponding stud members 218A and 2188 if that is desirable. Otherelectrically conducting linking members 290 are shown disposed betweenadjacent discrete manifold sections 200 and interconnecting stud members218 in a bias arrange ment. In this arrangement the field coils areelectrically connected in series circuit relationship. Spacing members240 are shown between adjacent discrete manifold members 200 and betweenmanifold 200 and horizontal end portion 222 of right support member 14Y.Right support member 14Y is secured to flange member 70L with or by wayof a securing means or screws 306. Support member 14X is secured ontothe corresponding flange member through or with the screws or fasteners212. The output port or pipe 208A is shown communicating with the ductsor openings 312 and 314 in support member 14Y and the duct 216 insupport member 14X and the rearmost duct portions in the manifoldmembers 200 to form a common path 320 for fluid flow. The means ofcommunication between ducts or channels 286 and 320 are through thetubes in the aligned pair of stud members 218 in each manifold block 200and internal fluid paths of the field coils connected thereto. As can beseen the electrical connector 24L, which is secured by way of bolt orsecuring means 297 to end support 14Y and which is electricallyconnected to a stud member 218, has a central opening 299 therein whichmay grasp a complementary stud or electrically conducting protrusion onthe right manifold assembly 62R shown as in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a right manifold assembly 62R is shown as formedby combining a plurality of discrete manifold blocks 200 to form asingle or unitary manifold member. Manifold 62R is supported on theright side by support means 16Y and on the left by a support means 16Xwhich may be electrically insulating. Support member 16X has a verticalportion 354 therein and a horizontal portion 352 therein. A supportflange 356 interconnects with vertical section 354 through a thermalinsulating layer or means 358 and is secured thereto by securing meansor screws 370. Support member 16X is supported on flange member R andsupport member 16Y is supported by flange member 88. The previouslydescribed fluid conducting path 286 includes a mating connector 382having an internal central opening 402 communicating with an opening 372in the horizontal section 352 of support member 16X. Member 382 has inthe right outside portion thereof a groove or opening 384 in which aresilient seam means 386 is disposed and in the left portion a groove oropening 390 in which a resilient seal such as the O ring 392 isdisposed. Member 382 is forced or held against member 16X to form afluid tight junction, by the action of a bracket means 400 having a bolttherethrough (not shown) threadably insertable into support means 16X.Means 382 is adapted to fit into opening 234 in support means 14X shownin FIG. 4 of manifold means 62L to complete a junction therebetween sothat the continuity of fluid path 286 is completed between manifoldblock 62L and manifold block 62R. This also provides a quick disconnectfacility between the two blocks for fluid channels because the blocksmay be interconnected and disconnected without necessitating anyexcessive connecting functions. Resilient ring 392 resides against theinner surface of opening 234 in support block 14Y of manifold 62L asshown in FIG. 4 and provides a fluid tight seal there. As can be seenblocks 200 and the combination fluid supply means and electricallyconducting means or stud 218 may be constructed and assembled in thesame manner in all manifold blocks 200. In assembly 62R bridging members240, manifold blocks 200, linking members 290, and adjacent studs orterminals 218 are similar to those corresponding to the elementdescribed with respect to manifold assembly 62L. In a like manner, thecombination fluid conducting tubes and electrically conducting members164 extend downwardly into the region of the sealed coils in electrodeassembly 16. The right most field bus 34 is shown disposed upon a topportion of support assembly 16Y and secured thereto by a bolt or bolts406. The bottom portion of one end of the last discrete manifold block200 on the right resides on or abuts the lip 204 in the support assembly16Y. Support assembly 16Y is secured by way of a flange member 410through which bolts or securing members 412 extends into the flange 88.A seal means 411 is provided on the right to terminate or end channel286 as shown in FIG. 6 and a similar seal means is provided to terminatechannel 320 shown in FIG. 5. Electrical connector 24R having anextending member 380 may be inserted into a complementary graspingmember 299 previously described in connecting member 24L for a quickelectrical connection and disconnection betweem manifold assembly 62Land 62R of the electrical circuits used therein. Electrical conductor24R is secured to support means 16X by way of bolt or bolts 378 througha hole 376 in member 24R and is sealed therein and threaded in orsecured to support member 16X.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a top view of the manifold block assembly 62Rshown in FIG. 6 is also depicted. Particular reference is made to thepossible bias arrangement of electrical linking members 290 as well asthe presence of a second ducting means 420 (not shown in FIG. 6) whichis adaptable to connect that portion of duct or channel 320 in manifold62R with the complementary portion of duct 320 in manifold section 62L.Bolt or fastening means 422 which is used to secure bracket 400 is alsoshown. Bolt or screw members 416 for securing support means 16X to theflange are also shown as is the electrically conducting bus member 34and its three fastening means 406. Bolt member or fastening member orscrew 412 is shown in flange member 410 for securing support member 16Yto an appropriate base or flange. Terminating member 411A andterminating member 41] are shown in a position to terminate thepreviously described fluid conducting paths 320 and 286 respectively.

By viewing FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 together, it can be seen that electricpower may be provided through bus 32 and thence to each set ofelectrically conducting studs 218 through linking means, such asconductors 292 and 290 which may be arranged in biased fashion from oneplastic block 200 to the other so that the field coils connectedtherewith are connected in a electrical series circuit relationship. Itcan be seen that by interconnecting portion 24L with connector portion24R that electrical continuity may be maintained between the'field coilsin the left electrode assembly 14 and the field coils in the rightelectrode assembly 16. The connecting links or strips 290 are showninterconnected with the stud members 218. In the right-most portion ofthe manifold assembly 62R the electrical circuit is completed throughelectrical field bus or conductor 34. As was described previously thedirection of the bias of the links 290 may be reversed or the electricalconnections may be made parallel by providing longitudinally alignedstraps or links, such as 292 shown on the left portion of FIG. 5. Thismay be done for any convenient purpose such as improved field shaping.Also any combination of the two connecting arrangements may be used. Byclosely examining FIGS. and 7 it can be seen that input fluid may beprovided to intput pipe or port 208 and from there into duct 216,through the various discrete blocks 200 to the end portion 314 whereuponthe continuity between the left most manifold block section 62R and theright most manifold block section 62R may be completed through connector420. A simi lar act duct is provided in the right or upstream manifoldblock 62R which is terminated in terminating seal means 411A. Thischannel is known as channel 320. Channel 286 is formed in a similarfashion between manifold sections 62L and 62R, and channel 286 isterminated at its right-most extension by terminating seal means 411.Fluid which flows through duct 320 feeds into the openings 278 of thestuds 218 and then down through vertical openings 280 therein to thefield coil cooling ducts. The fluid comes up or returns through similarducts 280 in corresponding stud members 218 which communicate withchannel 286 from where the fluid is removed through output port 208A. Ofcourse it is realized that the direction could be reversed and fluidcould be supplied through port 208A and exit through port 208 as shownin FIG. 5.

It is to be understood that the various features described with respectto this arc heater apparatus may be used in combination with each otheror singly. It is also to be understood that the various fluid, gas andelectrical paths may be reversed. It is also to be understood that allof the connections and ports referred to with respect to the downstreamelectrode may be alternately placed in the upstream electrodes. It isalso to be understood that the plastic blocks 200 may be any similarelectrically insulating material. It is also to be understood that theelectrical connectors 24R and 24L may be reversed. It is also to beunderstood that the link means 290 and 292 may be any electricallyconducting material, such as hard drawn copper, brass, or the like.

The apparatus embodying the teachings of this invention has manyadvantages. One advantage is the characteristic of allowing electric archeater apparatus to be quickly disconnected without the need for anexcessive member of external electrode gap bridging electricalconductors, gas feed lines, and fluid feed lines. Another advantage liesin the fact that the size of the electrodes and the field coilsassociated therewith may be varied from time to time withoutnecessitating the replacements of the arc heater apparatus. Anotheradvantage lies in the fact that the sealing means provided for theelectrode cooling path includes a relatively high voltage insulationbetween the two electrodes while nevertheless allowing a common coolingpath to exist therebetween.

What we claim as our invention is:

1. Arc heater apparatus, which comprises:

a plurality of spaced electrodes at least two of which are capable ofbeing electrically connected to terminals of opposite polarity of asource of electrical power so that an electric arc may be struck fromone electrode to another;

a plurality of electrically conducting cooling ducts with centralopenings therein for the flow of cooling material therethrough, whereineach of said at least two electrodes has at least one of said coolingducts adjacent thereto for cooling said electrodes, a first of saidcooling ducts communicating with a second of said cooling ducts toprovide a common cooling channel for said at least two electrodes;

electrically insulating spacer means disposed between said first andsaid second cooling ducts to space and electrically insulate said firstcooling duct from said second cooling duct, said spacer means having anopening therein communicating with said central opening in each of saidfirst and said second cooling ducts to provide said communicationtherebetween to form a portion of said common cooling channel;

electrically insulating bushing means disposed adjacent said firstcooling duct and said spacer means, said bushing means having a centralopening therein which communicates with said central opening in saidfirst duct and said central opening in said spacer means to form part ofsaid common cooling channel, said bushing means providing an increasedincrement of electrical insulation between said cooling ducts over thatamount of electrical insulation provided by said spacer means alone;

first resilient sealing means which encloses a predetermined area andwhich is disposed adjacent said bushing means and said spacer means forproviding a coolant seal therebetween;

second resilient sealing means which encloses a larger predeterminedarea than said first resilient sealing means encloses and which isdisposed adjacent said bushing means and said first cooling duct forproviding a coolant seal therebetween, said first and second resilientsealing means reacting to the pressure of coolant material in saidcooling channel to provide an increment of sealing force between saidducts and said spacer due predominatly to fluid pressure caused by thepresence of said coolant adjacent said bushing means and said spacer insaid cooling channel which force is related to the difference in areasenclosed by said first and second resilient sealing means.

2. Arc heater apparatus of the type including electrode structuresspaced to form a gap across which an electric arc may be struck andshaped to form an arc chamber in which said arc may reside comprising,means for providing process fluid to one of said electrode structures tobe provided to said gap for entry into said are chamber, an electricallyinsulating spacer member disposed between said electrode structures forelectrically insulating said electrode structures from each other,ducting means in another of said electrode structures for providing saidfluid to another portion of said are heater, said spacer member havingan opening therein communicating with said ducting means in said anotherof said electrode structures and said means for providing fluid to saidone electrode structure for thereby providing a fluid path from saidmeans for providing fluid to said one said electrode structure to saidducting means in said another of said electrode structures and thence tosaid another portion of said arc heater.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein said ducting means insaid another of said electrode structures includes a valve forcontrolling the amount of said fluid provided to said another portion ofsaid are heater.

4. Arc heater apparatus comprising, spaced annular electrode assembliescooperating to form an arc chamber, a plurality of magnetic field coilassemblies, said latter assemblies having electrically conductivetubular electrical connector leads for providing cooling fluid to saidfield coil assembly and energizing electrical power to said field coilassembly, a manifold assembly for each field coil assembly having fluidducts therein communicating with said tubular connector leads andelectrical terminals disposed in electrical contact with said tubularconnector leads, the manifold assembly for each of said field coilassemblies being disposed adjacent to other manifold assemblies withsaid ducts of each communicating to form a fluid path between adjacentmanifold assemblies and with said terminals being electricallyinterconnected to provide electrical continuity between predeterminedleads of said field coil assembly.

1. Arc heater apparatus, which comprises: a plurality of spacedelectrodes at least two of which are capable of being electricallyconnected to terminals of opposite polarity of a source of electricalpower so that an electric arc may be struck from one electrode toanother; a plurality of electrically conducting cooling ducts withcentral openings therein for the flow of cooling material therethrough,wherein each of said at least two electrodes has at least one of saidcooling ducts adjacent thereto for cooling said electrodes, a first ofsaid cooling ducts communicating with a second of said cooling ducts toprovide a common cooling channel for said at least two electrodes;electrically insulating spacer means disposed between said first andsaid second cooling ducts to space and electrically insulate said firstcooling duct from said second cooling duct, said spacer means having anopening therein communicating with said central opening in each of saidfirst and said second cooling ducts to provide said communicationtherebetween to form a portion of said common cooling channel;electrically insulating bushing means disposed adjacent said firstcooling duct and said spacer means, said bushing means having a centralopening therein which communicates with said central opening in saidfirst duct and said central opening in said spacer means to form part ofsaid common cooling channel, said bushing means providing an increasedincrement of electrical insulation between said cooling ducts over thatamount of electrical insulation provided by said spacer means alone;first resilient sealing means which encloses a predetermined area andwhich is disposed adjacent said bushing means and said spacer means forproviding a coolant seal therebetween; second resilient sealing meanswhich encloses a larger predetermined area than said first resilientsealing means encloses and which is disposed adjacent said bushing meansand said first cooling duct for providing a coolant seal therebetween,said first and second resilient sealing means reacting to the pressureof coolant material in said cooling channel to provide an increment ofsealing force between said ducts and said spacer due predominatly tofluid pressure caused by the presence of said coolant adjacent saidbushing means and said spacer in said cooling channel which force isrelated to the difference in areas enclosed by said first and secondresilient sealing means.
 2. Arc heater apparatus of the type includingelectrode structures spaced to form a gap across which an electric arcmay be struck and shaped to form an arc chamber in which said arc mayreside comprising, means for providing process fluid to one of saidelectrode structures to be provided to said gap for entry into said arcchamber, an electrically insulating spacer member disposed between saidelectrode structures for electrically insulating said electrodestructures from each other, ducting means in another of said electrodestructures for providing said fluid to another portion of said archeater, said spacer member having an opening therein communicating withsaid ducting means in said another of said electrode structures and saidmeans for providing fluid To said one electrode structure for therebyproviding a fluid path from said means for providing fluid to said onesaid electrode structure to said ducting means in said another of saidelectrode structures and thence to said another portion of said archeater.
 3. The combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein said ductingmeans in said another of said electrode structures includes a valve forcontrolling the amount of said fluid provided to said another portion ofsaid arc heater.
 4. Arc heater apparatus comprising, spaced annularelectrode assemblies cooperating to form an arc chamber, a plurality ofmagnetic field coil assemblies, said latter assemblies havingelectrically conductive tubular electrical connector leads for providingcooling fluid to said field coil assembly and energizing electricalpower to said field coil assembly, a manifold assembly for each fieldcoil assembly having fluid ducts therein communicating with said tubularconnector leads and electrical terminals disposed in electrical contactwith said tubular connector leads, the manifold assembly for each ofsaid field coil assemblies being disposed adjacent to other manifoldassemblies with said ducts of each communicating to form a fluid pathbetween adjacent manifold assemblies and with said terminals beingelectrically interconnected to provide electrical continuity betweenpredetermined leads of said field coil assembly.